All signs point to Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro seeking the republican nomination for New York Governor.

Just before a town hall forum and Q&A session at the New Hamburg Fire Station, Spectrum News spoke with Molinaro about issues that matter to the approximately 30 people in this room that might also end up being campaign issues.

When asked what the most common concerns are at these forums that Molinaro often holds, Molinaro said cost of living (taxes) and the opioid addiction crisis were the top two.

"We've seen, over the last several years, an increase in opioid-related deaths," Molinaro said, "and certainly, more-and-more talking openly, and rightfully so, about the challenges of addiction and the illnesses of addiction."

He talked about a diversion program which sends some addicts to detox and treatment instead of jail. -- It is a program that health officials in Sullivan County said earlier in the week that they plan on copying.

In response to a question about a comprehensive strategy to fight the epidemic, he spoke about the need for education and prevention on the front end of the problem, and sensitivity on the back end.

He said issues like addiction are not partisan, and for the most part, neither is he.

When asked whether President Donald Trump has been good or bad for New York State, he said "I don't do those kinds of things (questions)."

"There are a number of supporters who believe the president says it the way he sees it. So do I," Molinaro said. "But at the end of the day, I want America to succeed. I wanted President Obama to succeed, and I want this country to succeed. You'll hear me both as a county executive and otherwise, say when I support, and you'll hear me say when I don't."

Molinaro leads two other possible candidates -- including State Senator John DeFrancisco -- in endorsements from republican committees across the state, including an endorsement he snatched up on Wednesday evening from the Manhattan GOP.

An official announcement that Molinaro will run for governor is expected on April 2.

The nominee will be officially chosen at the state's GOP convention in May.